20-year-old Greek model Iasonas Laios is taking the world by storm. Described as a “Greek god” he was first discovered in his hometown of Mani in the Peloponnese when a well-known photographer immediately recognized his beauty and asked him if he’d consider modeling.

The Physical Education and Sports School (TEFAA) graduate is interested in sports and once dreamt of being a sports trainer before making his debut as a model one and a half years ago. “Modeling sidetracked my initial goals and I immediately got stuck into work that is of course exciting,” he says. “Suddenly I have to try on clothes and be with inspired designers and high fashion houses… Modeling is an exciting journey. ”

It’s a journey that has taken him beyond Greece’s borders. “The Greek crisis has struck fashion,” he says. “Most of my colleagues don’t want to move abroad and want to work in their country. Unfortunately, I was forced to seek my fortune elsewhere because of the crisis in Greek fashion designing.” He says that little work is available in Greece beyond Athens Xclusive Designers Week.